.32 Short

[beag_nut]

Haven't asked for info here for a while, but here goes:

A special, old friend has an H&R top-break revolver ("belly gun") chambered in .32 Short, which we believe is more-accurately known as .32 S&W. NOT the .32 Long. While he is sometimes able to find pre-loaded cartridges, those events are very rare, and his supply is running very low. We both know that the revolver was originally designed for black powder, but there are some people who currently load and sell smokeless cartridges (like the ones he has) which are compatible and safe to use in his old top-break. However, his current supply tumbles as it goes downrange, as verified by the awful target results (and holes). I would like to try some other safe loads with different bullets and charges (which I can handload) to improve the "performance" of his little H&R. I think that Lee has a die set which they call "3 DI SET 32 S&W CARB", part #90696. I don't know if that would be the correct die set to use. Anybody know if that is the correct one? Also, for those who have reloaded this caliber, are pre-cast bullets available anywhere?

I REALLY appreciate any accurate info about htis topic, silly as it may seem.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

hey there. not too long ago i acquired my great-grandfather's .32 revolver. I also tried to find loaded ammo, and found it to be expensive and tough to get, so I went the reloading route. I did get lee dies, I dont have the partno handy. But it is advertised as being able to load .32 short & long, and the bullet seating die I think is actually the one for .32acp. EDIT: I just checked on midway, I think your partno is correct.

I loaded them with a very light charge of Bullseye, 1.1gr sticks in my head. I weighed every charge since even a small bit of deviation, in terms of weight, can represent a pretty large percentage change in such a small quantity. The bullets were 76gr cast lrn from Hunter Supply (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...-caliber-313-diameter-76-grain-lead-flat-nose). I didnt run them over the chrono, but shooting them into a berm at 25 yards with the sun behind me, it was fun to actually see the bullet travel down range. They seemed to stabilize ok. Based on the load info I used, they should have been running between 450 and 500fps.

 

[Sunray]

There's a .32 S&W Short and Long. Neither of which have anything to do with the .32 ACP and are not interchangeable with the ACP. It being rimless.
The Short is not reliable in a Long chamber due to differences in rim thickness. And a different body diameter, case wall thickness, rim thickness, and mild body taper. Case length in .610" vs the .920" for the S&W Long.
If the H&R revolver is of 19th Century manufacturer it could be chambered in any .32 calibre. Not just S&W Long or Short. It could be a .32 Colt or .32 Colt Long.
However, tumbling is caused by undersized bullets, undersized(as in worn) barrel and sometimes low velocity.

 

[FROGO207]

Actually I use a 32 ACP die set with a correct shellholder for rimmed 32 to reload ALL my 32 revolver ammo. 32 short, 32 long, 32 H&R MAG and 327 FED. The seating die will roll crimp the bullet in the brass OK when adjusted in enough. I use Lee dies also. You should NOT use 32 ACP ammo in those old top breaks even if it seems to fit. Pressure is too high. I use Trail boss in mine with good results using the same bullet from Hunters Supply (got them from Graff & Sons a few years ago).

ETA: from my Ideal # 38 manual from 1951
Lyman #313249 87 grain LRN
1.4 grains Bullseye------720 FPS
2.0 grains Unique--------830 FPS Estimated
1.3 grains No. 6----------710 FPS Estimated
Propellants may have changed some but this will give you an idea of what will work.

 

[beag_nut]

Thanks for your help so far. Going to look for some used dies, and oversize bullets.

 

[noylj]

Use lead or jacketed bullets?
If you use plated, they often tumble. Like lead, they need to be larger than actual groove diameter.
Jacketed usually are not sensitive and work well no matter what.
Given the fact that it is a H&R top break and age, your cylinder's throats and the groove diameter could be almost anything.